UVA TOPCOAT® Advanced Ceramic Surface Protection for Aircraft
The Next Generation in Aviation Surface Maintenance Technology
UVA Topcoat® is a high-performance, ultra-thin ceramic coating system developed by NANO-CERAMIC® for demanding aviation environments. Designed to protect aircraft exteriors and interiors without adding weight or complexity, UVA Topcoat extends paint life, reduces maintenance, and helps preserve aerodynamic cleanliness.
Unlike conventional polyurethane or enamel topcoats, UVA Topcoat forms a ~6-micron transparent ceramic film that is engineered with selectable hardness and flexibility.
Depending on the formulation used, the coating delivers high scratch resistance, UV stability, and strain tolerance, allowing it to accommodate micro-movement, thermal expansion, and vibration where required, while remaining crack-free for up to 18 years, even under high-UV and chemically aggressive operating conditions.
WHAT IS UVA TOPCOAT® FOR AVIATION?
UVA Topcoat® is an advanced ceramic-based thin film coating engineered to protect aircraft surfaces from:
UV degradation and color fading
Chemical attack (fuel, hydraulic fluids, de-icing chemicals)
Dirt, insect adhesion, and atmospheric contamination
Thermal stress and micro-cracking
It can be applied over approved aviation primers and paint systems and is compatible with common aerospace coatings such as PU, epoxy, and acrylic systems.
KEY AVIATION BENEFITS
✈️ Extended Repaint Cycles
Extends exterior paint life to 6–12–18 years, matching or exceeding dry-lease terms
Eliminates or delays costly mid-life repaints
✈️ Weight-Neutral Protection
Ultra-thin (~6 µm per layer) ceramic film
No measurable impact on aircraft weight or balance
✈️ UV & Color Stability
Blocks UVA radiation to prevent oxidation, chalking, and livery fading
Maintains gloss or matte finish without yellowing
✈️ Reduced Cleaning & Downtime
Hydrophobic, non-stick surface resists dirt, insects, and exhaust residues
Fewer wash cycles and shorter ground time
✈️ Chemical & Environmental Resistance
Resistant to aviation fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, acids, and detergents
Ideal for tropical, desert, coastal, and high-pollution environments
✈️ High Temperature & Mechanical Resistance
Withstands temperatures up to 550°F (288°C)
Scratch resistance up to 9H, with flexible variants for stressed surfaces
NOT A CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT COATING — A MAINTENANCE-APPLIED SURFACE PROTECTION
UVA Topcoat® does not replace approved aircraft paint systems, does not alter aerodynamic geometry, and does not claim any performance or drag-reduction effect. It is therefore not subject to aircraft coating type certification and is applied as a surface-protection and maintenance treatment under the responsibility of the aircraft operator and locally certified MROs.
AERODYNAMIC CLEANLINESS & INDUSTRY RESEARCH CONTEXT
Published Boeing research has demonstrated that the most effective method of reducing in-service aerodynamic drag is maintaining aerodynamically clean aircraft surfaces, rather than applying aftermarket surface coatings for the purpose of drag reduction.
According to Boeing Aero Magazine (“Surface Coatings and Drag Reduction,” Aero Quarterly, Q1 2013), the external skins of modern commercial aircraft are already considered hydraulically smooth, and additional thin surface coatings do not produce a measurable reduction in skin-friction drag. Boeing further notes that operational efficiency improvements are primarily achieved through cleaning, contamination control, and proper maintenance of surface condition, not through changes to surface finish.
UVA Topcoat® is therefore positioned strictly as a surface protection and maintenance-support technology, not as a drag-reduction system. It does not alter aerodynamic geometry, certified surface contours, or aircraft performance characteristics.
In line with OEM guidance and industry practice:
Aircraft cleaning procedures, surface protection methods, and thin-film treatments are managed by the aircraft operator and executed under the authority of locally certified maintenance organizations (FAA, EASA, or national authority equivalent).
Any operational or maintenance decisions related to exterior surface condition are evaluated within the operator’s approved maintenance program.
No claims are made regarding drag reduction or fuel burn improvement.
By limiting dirt, insect, and contaminant adhesion, UVA Topcoat® supports the maintenance of aerodynamic cleanliness over time, helping aircraft remain in their intended certified condition between repaint cycles.
SUITABLE AIRCRAFT APPLICATIONS
Exterior
Fuselage (painted or primed)
Wings and control surfaces
Engine nacelles (non-hot sections)
Radomes (compatibility testing recommended)
Interior
Cabin panels and trim
Cockpit surfaces (non-critical)
Galleys, lavatories, and service areas
Acrylic, polycarbonate, and decorative panels
HARDNESS & FLEXIBILITY OPTIONS (AVIATION-OPTIMIZED)
| Variant | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| H9 – Max Hard / Low Flex | Maximum scratch and chemical resistance | Fuselage, high-wear exterior areas |
| H6 – Medium Hard / Medium Flex | Balanced durability and flexibility | Wings, panels, interior surfaces |
| H3 – Low Hard / Max Flex | High strain tolerance | Vibrating or expanding components |
Strain-tolerant coatings absorb micro-movement, thermal expansion, and vibration without cracking — critical for aircraft structures.
APPLICATION & MAINTENANCE
APPLICATION METHODS
Spray (HVLP) – 1.0–1.3 mm nozzle, 20–30 psi
Wipe-On – during routine cleaning or maintenance
Roll – interior panels and large flat surfaces
PROCESS
Clean & degrease
Light wet sanding (1500–2000 grit if required)
Apply 1–3 ultra-thin layers (wet-on-wet possible)
Ambient cure — no oven, no hangar downtime
Curing & Flight Readiness
UVA Topcoat® reaches approximately 85% functional cure within 12 hours and is mechanically stable for normal flight operations. At this stage, the coating is dry, non-tacky, and resistant to airflow and operational stresses.
Full chemical and mechanical performance is achieved after 5 days of ambient curing. The remaining curing process continues naturally during normal aircraft operation (post-curing in service), supported by airflow and normal temperature exposure. Accelerated curing is possible using IR heating.
During the first 48 hours after application, exposure to aggressive chemicals (fuel spills, de-icing fluids, strong detergents, or abrasive cleaning) should be avoided. Normal flight operations are permitted.
SERVICE LIFE
1 layer (6 µm): ~6 years
2 layers: ~12 years
3 layers: up to 18 years
Designed to align with 6–12 year dry lease cycles, reducing repaint frequency and asset depreciation.
FINISH & COLOR OPTIONS
High-Gloss or Matte
Transparent or Full RAL Colors
Metallic, frosted, or tinted effects
Color is achieved without sacrificing UV protection or coating performance, ideal for airline liveries and branding.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
PFAS-Free
Non-toxic, polymer-of-low-concern (OECD PLC)
Compatible with existing aviation paint systems
Classified as non-invasive surface protection (similar to sealants/wax when wipe-on is used)
BUSINESS IMPACT FOR AIRLINES & LESSORS
Avoid mid-life repaint costs (USD 100k–500k per aircraft)
Reduce aircraft downtime (5–15 days per repaint)
Preserve asset value and livery appearance
Lower lifecycle maintenance costs
Improve fleet availability and operational efficiency
CONCLUSION
UVA Topcoat® is not just a coating — it is a maintenance strategy for modern aviation.
By replacing conventional topcoats or enhancing existing paint systems, UVA Topcoat enables airlines, MROs, and lessors to reduce repaint cycles, minimize downtime, and protect high-value assets in a lightweight, cost-effective, and future-ready way.